You might even Ro-Sham-Bo for the last one!

One of the best kept secret for getting super crisp oven fries is soaking them in water and making sure they are dry before baking. This helps get the starch out of the potato, which is what makes it soggy. Who knew, right?

Extra Crispy Oven Baked French Fries

 

 

Ingredients:

Seasoning Mix (DO NOT USE ALL OF THE SEASONING FOR ONE BATCH, READ INSTRUCTIONS):

• 2 Tablespoons seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Fries:

• 3 medium russet potatoes (russet are the best choice for perfect crispy fries)
• 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine seasoning ingredients in a small bowl; set aside.
2. Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut off the ends.
3. With a very sharp knife, cut the potatoes into thin slices about 1/4 inch wide.
4. Add the fries to a large bowl and cover with cold water.
5. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes but they can soak for as long as overnight. (Place in the fridge if soaking more than an hour).
6. After the fries have soaked, drain, rinse, and lay the fries on a paper towel lined cooling rack to dry while you preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
7. Blot the tops with additional paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
8. Line a baking pan with parchment paper or foil and spray with non-stick spray.
9. Place the potatoes in a dry bowl, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and 1/2 – 1 Tablespoon of the seasoning mixture based on how much salt you prefer.
10. Toss to mix.
11. Evenly line the baking pan with the fries in a single layer. Don’t overlap or they fries won’t cook properly.
12. Bake for about 30 minutes, flipping with a spatula once or twice after 15 minutes of cooking.
13. Increase heat to 425 degrees and continue baking until the edges look a little burnt!
14. Sprinkle the fries with the other half of the seasoning mix and Parmesan cheese (optional).
15. Serve immediately.

Quick Tip: It seems like a lot of work to do all the soaking, and patting dry, but once you get the hang of it you will be making fries like a boss.

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Emily at Layers of Happiness.